There is no better plan to combat the heat of the summer than enjoying the fresh air of the most impressive caves of Gipuzkoa.
The Arditurri mines, the replica of the Ekain cave, Ekainberri, and poignant Oñati-Arrikrutz complete a fascinating inland trip through Gipuzkoa’s past.
OÑATIARRIKRUTZ (Oñati) In the town of Oñati, Arritrutz is an underground Baroque cathedral built by nature and formed by over a dozen kilometres of interconnected tunnels, of which 500 m can be visited. This was home for prehistoric wild animals such as bears, panthers and lions - look out for their footprints!
ARDITURRI The Arditurri mines worked almost non-stop for 2000 years. In the Iron Age and then during the Roman occupation, they were a considerable source of iron, lead, silver and fluorite. Nowadays, they are an amazing space that you can visit in the heart of the Aiako Harria Natural Park in Oiartzun.
EKAINBERRI Ekain is the best kept underground treasure in the Basque Country. For decades, the valuable paintings in this Palaeolithic cave had to be protected from mass visits. So in 2008, Ekainberri opened in Zestoa as a more than true representation, very close to the original artistic sanctuary. Ekainberri offers activities such as Experimental Archaeology and the Ekain Adventure, where you can learn to hunt wild animals, get to know the flora and fauna of the period and paint, make fire and cook just like they did 14,500-10,000 years ago.
